RAG DOLL COMES OUT OF MOTHBALLS FOR POWERGEN SEMI-FINAL

21 February 2006 09:19

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The Scarlets and Bath, who meet that day, have been playing each other since 1896 (formerly as Llanelli and Bath) and share an unique rugby tradition. The Rag Doll made its first appearance in 1921 when the mascot was presented by TR Mills of the Salutation Hotel, Llanelli - then the club's headquarters - to the Bath Chairman, EF Simpkins.

The is believed to have been initially replaced between the wars by one made by a Bath lady called Rosina Rothery. Every season the doll would appear - dressed in the colours of the victor - and hang from the goalpost during the game. Many famous names have held the old doll aloft including Phil Bennett, Ieuan Evans, Scott Quinnell, Jeremy Guscott, Stuart Barnes and John Hall.

Next month the Scarlets meet Bath in the Powergen Semi-Final at the Millennium Stadium the doll will make another appearance dressed in Scarlet. The Scarlets having won the last encounter in the Heineken Cup quarter-final in 2002. In all. the clubs have played each other 138 times, Llanelli winning 93 of the encounters, Bath 38 and seven drawn. Both Scarlets and Bath players and supporters have fond memories of the Rag Doll and friendships forged over the years.

Former Scarlet star Scott Quinnell, said: "I remember the old Rag Doll well. As a youngster at Stradey Park we used to wonder why they were hanging a kid from the crossbars! Seriously though it's a great tradition and its wonderful that even in this professional era these quirky things live on."

"The two clubs have had some fantastic encounters over the years and two things could always be relied on: the rag doll and a great open brand of rugby. And I'm sure it will be the same in the Millennium Stadium in March - I can't wait."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland revealed that he was satisfied with the two wins from four games during the autumn's Under Armour Series. WRU TV recaps the matches against Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The All Blacks may be missing their captain Kieran Read, but Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde is wary of the world champions as they will want to finish their year on a positive note and maintain their unbeaten streak on tour.

Rhys Webb is 'over the moon' to be be starting this weekend as Wales seek a rare victory against New Zealand but the Ospreys scrum half is confident of a positive result so long as his team can stay in the game and concentrate fully for 80 minutes.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde, No 8 Seb Davies and captain Dan Lydiate believe there is enough experience and potential within the squad to brush aside the challenge of Georgia tomorrow at Principality Stadium.